Butt set to face Sunderland

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear will make a late check on midfielder Nicky Butt ahead of tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League trip to Sunderland.

The 33-year-old picked up a foot injury in Monday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, but is expected to be available.

Striker Michael Owen will miss out as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.

However, Kinnear will be able to welcome back full-back Habib Beye, whose appeal against his red card against City was successful, and midfielder Joey Barton after the completion of his six-match ban.

Argentinian midfielder Jonas Gutierrez could also return from his fractured collarbone, but Mark Viduka (Achilles) and Alan Smith (foot) are still out.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Beye, Edgar, Enrique, N’Zogbia, Taylor, Coloccini, Cacapa, Bassong, Tozer, Butt, Guthrie, Geremi, Duff, Barton, Jonas, Doninger, Xisco, Ameobi, Carroll, Donaldson, Ranger, Danquah.